Differences in distress within couples who have experienced the sudden death of a child were examined. Results from two independent samples (N = 50 couples and N = 60 couples) were compared. The SCL-90-R and the BSI were used to measure global psychological distress and distress in nine symptom dimensions. Paired t tests revealed similar findings in the two samples: Within couples, women had significantly greater global distress than men and significantly greater distress than men in most symptom dimensions. Hostility scores within couples were similar and indicated a high level of hostility. The findings may explain relational problems observed within bereaved couples. Interventions designed to help couples cope with their differences and their hostility may decrease relational problems.

Bereaved parents' marital relationships may be at high risk for problems after a SIDS death because of coping differences between spouses. Five coping patterns developed in prior studies of SIDS parents were used to study differences within thirty-four pairs of parents bereaved by SIDS, three to forty months after their loss. Individual items most frequently used by both genders were examined to explore similarities in coping behaviors. Findings reveal bereaved parents sought support from within the family most frequently and from outside resources the least. Bereaved mothers used these coping patterns significantly more often than her spouse. Almost all (33) couples had other living children at the time of their SIDS loss or a subsequent child or pregnancy since the death. A current pregnancy was related to coping for bereaved fathers. The presence of other living children was related to less support seeking for bereaved mothers. Couples remembered the child that died and anticipated emotional pain on the anniversary of the death. There were gender differences in frequencies for expressing feelings particularly crying behavior. The majority of the couples accepted the SIDS diagnosis and reported open communication with their spouse.

Secondary analysis of large national databases offers promise for research of families. In this article, issues that the secondary analyst must consider when choosing a database for research of families are described. Potential advantages and limitations of databases are discussed. Strategies to minimize potential limitations are highlighted.

Secondary analysis provides a useful method for the development of new knowledge. Larger samples can be constructed, and secondary analysis can be enhanced when data sets are combined. A standardized method for combining large data sets is crucial, yet literature on methods for combining large data sets for secondary analysis is lacking. The purpose of this article is to outline and explain the process of combining two or more large data sets (n = 276, n = 125) for secondary analysis by using these authors' previous work with large oncology and AIDS caregiver data sets.

The challenges that cause and result from vulnerability in families are complex. Systematic methods for studying the issues underlying vulnerability are needed. In this article, the utility of mixed methods for nursing science with vulnerable families is addressed. The use of mixed methodology resulted in more precise descriptions of the complex reality of living as a vulnerable family, such as living in a family with a member with HIV/AIDS, a child with a chronic condition, or a family member with other life-threatening conditions. Coupling qualitative methods with quantitative methods can illuminate phenomena related to vulnerable families that cannot be captured using a singular approach. To advance our understanding of family vulnerability, it is essential that we define research strategies that contribute to both the depth and the breadth of our knowledge. Mixed methods are logically congruent with this goal.